Charles Leclerc opens up after watch robbery and insists he’s ‘fully focussed’ for Emilia Romagna GP

Charles Leclerc had his $320,000 watch stolen in the Italian city of Viareggio on Easter Monday; Leclerc says he is “fine” but says police hunt for thieves hasn’t been “smooth”; Watch Emilia Romagna GP live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend

Charles Leclerc insists he is “fine” and “fully focussed” on the Emilia Romagna GP after being the victim of a robbery earlier in the week in Italy.

Leclerc, F1’s championship leader, had his watch stolen while with friends and his trainer, Andrea Ferrari, in the Tuscan city of Viareggio on Easter Monday.

According to reports in the local media, Leclerc had stopped for photographs with fans before a crowd formed around him and a thief managed to remove the $320,000 (£266,000) special edition Richard Mille watch from his left wrist.

Ferrari driver Leclerc was unharmed and reportedly chased after the thieves, and local police launched an investigation afterwards.

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Natalie Pinkham is joined by Naomi Schiff and Paul Di Resta to look ahead to the Emilia-Romagna GP from Imola.

Speaking to media for first time since the incident on Thursday ahead of the Emilia Romagna GP, Leclerc told reporters in Imola: “It hasn’t been a great experience but I cannot say much more than that.”

Leclerc also admitted that finding the thieves was not going as “smooth” as reported – but insisted it wouldn’t “hurt” him this weekend – when he will be looking to extend his 34-point title lead.

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Sergio Perez says Red Bull can’t afford another DNF in the race for the Constructors’ Championship.

“Everything is going on with the police and they are trying to find them,” said Leclerc. “It hasn’t been as smooth as what I’ve read.

“But overall I am fine and fully focussed on the weekend. It won’t hurt me for this weekend.”

More to follow.